he duke, and as soon as he arrived, two guards were placed before the
house--a mark of consideration which the king had only heretofore given
to reigning princes.

The duke accepted these distinguished attentions with lively gratitude,
and pleaded for an immediate audience, in order to present his
credentials.

Pollnitz was commissioned to make all necessary arrangements, and agree
with the duke as to the day and hour of the ceremony.

The king, who wished to give the French duke a proof of his
consideration, intended that the presentation should be as imposing as
possible, and all Berlin was to be witness of the friendship existing
between the French and Prussian courts.

Upon the appointed day, a dazzling assemblage of equipages stood
before the palace of the Duke de Nivernois. These were the royal festal
carriages, intended for the members of the French embassy. Then followed
a long line of carriages, occupied by the distinguished members of
the Prussian court. Slowly and solemnly this pompous procession moved
through the streets, and was received at the portal of the king's palace
by the royal guard. Richly-dressed pages, in advance of whom stood the
grand master of ceremonies with his golden staff, conducted the French
ambassador to the White saloon, where the king, in all his royal pomp,
and surrounded by the princes of his house, received him.

The solemn ceremony began; the duke drew near the throne, and, bowing
his knee, handed his credentials to the king, who received them with a
gracious smile.

The duke commenced his address; it was filled with flowery phrases,
suited to the great occasion. Frederick listened with the most earnest
attention, and his reply was kind, but dignified and laconic.

The public ceremony was over, and now came the important part of the
audience, the confidential conversation. To this point the duke had
looked with lively impatience; for this, indeed, had he been sent to
Berlin.

The king descended from the throne, and laying aside all the solemnity
of court etiquette, he approached the duke in the most gracious and
genial manner, welcomed him heartily, and expressed his sincere delight
at his arrival.

"Ah, sire," said the duke, with animation, "how happy will my king be
to learn that his ambassador has been so graciously received by your
majesty!"

The king smiled. "I thought the ceremony was all over," said he,
"and that I no longer spoke with the ambassador, but with